It's only 2 days before I leave for my trip to Dominican Republic and I am starting to get more anxious. Looking at the news on EarthQuakes affecting Haiti which is actually next to Dominican Republic, makes me re-think of my journey. If you really come to think of it, there are things in this world that can't be stopped. Mother nature is just going to take it's course and there's nothing we can do about it but to live our lives to the Best we can ;-) This is probably the reason why I have traveled to different places in the last couple of years and let me tell you it is all worth it..... just Go Go Go!

On a different note, before you head out of the country it is best to double check if you need to get visa or not. I called Delta.com and made sure that I am good to go. The agent told me that it is best to double or triple check because you wouldn't believe how many people get stuck in the airport and can't leave the country because they don't have the right Visas. Check the consulate or which ever airlines you are traveling with what right paper work to bring.

Depending on what country you are traveling to. It is important to check what currency they have and look ahead of time for best exchange rate deals. You want to get the best for you $$$ I would think. Certain airports charges from $5 to $7 dollars per exchange and sometimes they have deals on how to get the best rates so please do ask. In my case, I actually learned from a friend to open a checking account with Charles Schwab bank mainly for traveling International because they don't charge any fees on outside US purchases as well as taking out money on ATM's in the US. Seriously, I never believe anything until I see it in my own eyes. I went to Montreal last Oct 2009 and the Bahamas in Dec 2009 and never got charge a thing. I was even surprised to see a refund when I took out money on an ATM machine in the US. Every single penny counts!

Most people I know don't check what electrical system the country they are visiting. You might laugh that I am even writing about this but it is important because some of us bring our cellphones, laptops, ipods, curling irons...I was in HongKong once and burnt my hairdryer hahaha! I found a website that summarizes information on electrical  systems in use in most countries of the world. Please check this website http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

I often get ask why do I bring carry-on bags? I use to not bring carry-ons until one day I traveled for Christmas to DC and my checked-in luggage was lost and did not arrive until Christmas is over. In times like this, all you can do is wait or shop for new clothes. But what if you don't want to spend more money? I also hear numerous traveling stories about losing expensive items on their checked-in bags. Funny but it's true! Nowadays, airport personnel goes through your stuffs at all times and every locks should be TSA approved or they will cut if off, it happened to me. I am not here to point fingers but I saw in the news once that some airport personnel was charged for stealing items on luggages and one friend had her video camera and luxury clothes stolen. It is better to be safe than sorry! For cheap luggages go to http://overstock.com. They have fast delivery, great products and $1 shipping anywhere in the USA.Make sure when carrying carry-on bags to not pack any liquids more than 3.4oz or it's going in the trash. My chanel lotion that I got for birthday went to the trash and believe me if you are not Britney Spears they would take it away from you. Although some airports hold products for you up to 30 days.(Portland, Oregon airport offered to hold my unopened lotion but I was not going back there anytime soon so I had it trashed.)

Before I wrap this up, it does not hurt to carry a mini pharmacy with you because when you are in a strange place it is all different. Now, before you travel.............please double , tripple check! Toodles;)